Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve heard age management doctors use hormones, isn't that dangerous? |
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If I participate in 'age management', do I still need my regular physician? |
WHAT IS AGE MANAGEMENT AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE?
This is a specialty of medicine that deals with wellness and healthy living as we age. Individuals are evaluated and a customized health plan is developed based on results of cognitive, hormonal, nutritional, performance testing and his/her lifestyle goals. These plans consist of bio-identical hormone replacement, natural supplements, exercise, and nutritional therapy for anti-inflammation. In addition we include cognitive and brain hormonal testing and replacement therapy. This is a comprehensive preventative health care plan.
WHAT TRAINING IS REQUIRED OF AN AGE MANAGEMENT PHYSICIAN?
Initially physicians (MDs or DOs) practicing ‘Age Management’ are trained through the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. This program consists of extensive didactic and online academics, after which a physician sits for exams. Following successful completion of both written and oral examination a physician is then awarded ‘Diplomate’ status. Next physicians may apply for ‘Fellow’ status which requires a challenging two year fellowship consisting of multiple didactic courses followed by an additional 40 online courses. In addition to the above education, I successfully completed an extensive program by Cenegenics®, another certifying institution involved in age management education and research.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AS AN AGE MANAGEMENT CLIENT?
There is no such thing as ‘one plan fits all’ in ‘age management’. As we age, our hormones decline. The consequences include but are not limited to declines in our energy, libido, strength, ability to lose weight, sleep, cognition and thought processes, muscle tone and metabolism. As an ‘age management’ client you will receive individualized care by our team. The physician will evaluate your levels by laboratory, cognitive, physical exams and performance testing. A customized plan of hormonal replacement (if needed), nutraceutical supplement, mentation, exercise and stress management will be designed for YOU. Follow up management and physician availability are the hallmark of this practice.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER ‘AGE MANAGEMENT’ TREATMENT?
No, since the majority of treatments used in ‘age management’ care are preventive in nature. Insurance companies typically cover treatment for disease processes, not their prevention. Let’s use smoking as an example. You may have to pay for hypnosis, acupuncture, medication or smoking cessation classes because your insurance does not cover such costs. Insurance would, however, pay for your bypass surgery that may be required as a result of your smoking history. Similarly, since ‘age management’ practices prevention and complete wellness, insurance companies do not at this time cover such treatment costs.
I’VE HEARD AGE MANAGEMENT DOCTORS USE HORMONES, ISN’T THAT DANGEROUS?
In fact, ‘age management’ doctors do utilize hormones, such as thyroid, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and others. Yes, in the wrong hands it can be dangerous. The stabilization of these hormones requires special training and board certifications. For the most part, such hormone replacement is accomplished with bio-identical (herbal, natural) hormones. What we know as aging, is induced by the decline of hormones. Replacement, when necessary, is scientifically accomplished under strict laboratory review and examination. The purpose for this is prevention of the diseases associated with aging. This has a tremendous affect on our mental capabilities, as well.
HOW CAN A PATIENT IN ‘AGE MANAGEMENT’ EXPECT TO FEEL?
A patient in age management treatment will be treated in a complete wellness paradigm. The treatment involves the symphony of improving mentation, strength, libido, weight management, energy, attitude, relaxation, nutritional programming, stretching /posture techniques, hormone replacement when necessary, and a full laboratory and physical evaluation. The patient is followed on a regular basis and has complete access to his/her age management physician. Patients routinely can expect to improve their medical diseases and see dramatic changes in all of the above parameters. Most noticeable is their change in weight, libido, mental ability and energy.
IF I PARTICIPATE IN ‘AGE MANAGEMENT’, DO I STILL NEED MY REGULAR PHYSICIAN?
Yes, you absolutely must maintain your relationship with your regular physician. ‘Age Management’ is a program of preventive care. In the course of your treatment in ‘age management’, you may find that your medical diseases decrease or resolve entirely. The result may be that your physician takes you off some of your prescription medications. Ideally, the preventive program of age management should be harmonious with the care you receive from your regular physician. Your ‘age management’ physician will customize your program based on all of your established diagnoses and medications.
